Movies: reviews, reflections, and things of that nature

Movie Review: MacGruber

The best way to parody a certain genre is to be committed and nonchalant. Movies such as Epic Movie and Meet the Spartans spend so much time making poorly deliberate jokes that they fail to establish any grounds for themselves. The characters in these failing films even know that they’re in a foolish and embarrassing environment, but they can’t seem to grasp how vapid the joke actually is. If they can’t take themselves seriously, how should we?

In contrast, MacGruber, is a successful 80’s action movie parody, whose deadpan approach makes it as compelling as it is hysterical. While the audience knows that the plot is ridiculous, the characters take it with the utmost severity. This concept works comedically and narratively; by treating itself as if it were an 80’s action movie, we can connect with the ridiculous notion of everything without having to roll our eyes.

The film follows MacGruber (Will Forte) and his team–Vicki St. Elmo (Kristin Wiig) and Lt. Dixon Piper (Ryan Phillippe)–as they attempt to thwart the destructive plans of arch-nemesis Dieter Von Cunth (Val Kilmer). With the exception of maybe Kristin Wiig, everyone wholeheartedly commits to their role, and a great comedic bond is formed throughout the movie. Unfortunately, the first act does meander. We spend a bit too much of unnecessary time with our characters, but the film eventually moves forward with acceptably brisk pace. Humor gets cruder, and character arcs, as limp and cliche as they are, are nevertheless developed.

The second and third acts take some time to veer from the already thin narrative, and some needless plot points are visited. Furthermore, the action sequences that do come up are shoddily constructed, but they all have good intentions.

Yes, the film does have numerous flaws, but it’s undoubtedly hilarious and fun. The humor is relentlessly vulgar, but sarcasm, parody, and deadpan are seen percolating throughout the film’s various comedic moments. Ultimately, MacGruber, has a big heart, and it does as much as it can with a $10 million budget. Will Forte, Val Kilmer, and Ryan Phillippe add appreciated fervor with the comical yet professional commitment they lend to their roles and to the film as a whole.